• Loading stock data...
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Questions Surround Preakness With Field Down to Seven

  • Preakness Stakes contender First Mission was scratched Friday due to a left-hind issue.
  • The seven-horse field set to race Saturday is the smallest Preakness Stakes field since 1986.
The seven-horse Preakness is its smallest field since 1986.
Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The second-leg race of the Triple Crown is set for its smallest field since 1986.

Preakness Stakes contender First Mission was scratched Friday due to a left-hind issue, leaving just seven horses set to race on Saturday. First Mission had the second-best odds to win the Preakness behind Kentucky Derby winner Mage.

Saturday’s race at Pimlico will be the first Preakness since 1948 to feature just one entrant from the Kentucky Derby, notes The Athletic. The tragic side of horse racing’s $400 billion industry has been front-and-center since seven horses died leading up to the Derby, while an eighth horse died at Churchill Downs last Sunday.  

This month’s 13-horse Kentucky Derby was the race’s lowest field this century, with five horses scratched due to injuries and the suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., whose Derby horse was scratched amid an investigation into the deaths of two horses under Joseph’s care. 

In response to the mayhem, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority announced that it’s relaunching its Anti-Doping & Medication Control program intended to serve as a national standard for equine safety. 

Mage, the lone Kentucky Derby entrant racing Saturday, is favored with 8-5 odds to win the Preakness. The horse’s ownership group includes the fractional sports investment app Commonwealth, whose $170,000 stake in Mage could rise to $25 million should he win the Triple Crown.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

UFL Kicking Off 2025 Season With Labor Fight Still Simmering

The league’s first game is still on, even without a labor deal in place.

Prime Pay: Colorado Gives Deion Sanders $54 Million Extension

Coach Prime has signed a contract extension through 2029.

Cooper Flagg’s Sweet 16 Performance Fuels NBA Tanking Debate

The Duke star shined as the Blue Devils advanced to the Elite Eight.

Rays Home Opener Clouded by Stadium Drama, Mounting Criticism

Both Major League Baseball and Pinellas County call out the embattled franchise.

Featured Today

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) and the Alabama Crimson Tide bench celebrate during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.

How Alabama Became College Basketball’s Newest Juggernaut

The Crimson Tide have found success rivaling their historic football program.
Kendall Coyne Schofield
March 25, 2025

Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes

The Walter Cup–winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”
Dec 21, 2024; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to pass the ball against USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) in the first half at XL Center.
March 23, 2025

‘More Value to Be Had’: Were Women’s March Madness Media Rights Undersold?

Could the NCAA have gotten millions more in its latest TV deal?
Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Jasen Green (0) dunks the ball during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena
March 22, 2025

Basketball-Only Schools Could See Power Surge After House Settlement Approval 

Football teams might monopolize the revenue-sharing dollars at power conference schools.
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; A view of March Madness signage and the court before an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Brigham Young Cougars at Prudential Center.

Robinhood Takes Down New Jersey March Madness Markets

New Jersey regulators sent a cease-and-desist letter.
Dec 11, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Darrick Minner moves in with a hit against Ryan Hall during UFC 269 at T-Mobile Arena
March 26, 2025

UFC Fighters Suspended Over Roles in Fight-Rigging Scheme

One fighter called his three-year ban “insane.”
March 27, 2025

Sportsbooks Reflect MLB’s Divide: Dodgers Heavy Favorites, White Sox No Shot

The defending champion Dodgers are favored at historic levels to repeat.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Mar 15, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) after hitting a three-point basket against the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
March 20, 2025

Perfect Storm: St. John’s Biggest Fans Can’t Bet on the School

In the No. 1 sports betting market, the Red Storm are off-limits.
Mar 14, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) and Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) go after a loose ball during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
March 17, 2025

Robinhood Adding Prediction Market From Kalshi After Super Bowl About-Face

Robinhood’s partnership with Kalshi will be wide-ranging.
Mar 10, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Jacob Melton (76) steals second base past Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) in the second inning during spring training at TD Ballpark.
March 10, 2025

MLB Asks CFTC to Ensure ‘Integrity’ of Bets on Exchanges Like Kalshi

The CFTC is reviewing the legality of sports event contracts.
March 5, 2025

Nevada Orders Kalshi to Shut Down Sports Markets

Kalshi has not taken down the markets yet.